Eriksson: Winter break will happen

Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes the Barclays Premier League is ready to embrace a winter break.

Eriksson remains adamant that a short shutdown is necessary after the third round of the FA Cup in January.

"It would be good for the national team when they go to big tournaments and good for clubs in Europe," the former England boss told Radio Five Live. "I have been fighting for this for many years. There is too much football and not enough breaks."

He added: "We are the only country in Europe without a mid-season break. After the FA Cup in January we should have one.

"It is important to give players one week off and one week to prepare for the next game.

"You have time to heal small injuries when you have one week off and can recover much better. If you take one week off every one will benefit. I think it will happen."